From Venezuela to Bangkok: This is Gabriella's Life at Agoda

I’m originally from Venezuela, and have had the opportunity to grow my career in Legal in my home country as well as the USA and Mexico. My career in law has always been enjoyable and diverse, letting me explore different areas of practice. But after a decade in Legal, things often felt predictable and centered on maintaining the status quo.  

Earlier in my career, I found myself drawn to the travel tech industry. So when I came across a remote role at Agoda supporting the Legal team in the USA, the job description immediately caught my attention.  

After speaking with the recruiter, I felt I’d be a great fit for both Agoda and the position. At the time, Agoda was unknown to me until I learned about its connection with Booking Holdings, which made the opportunity even more appealing. I joined Agoda in a remote role based in the USA, and it wasn’t until three years later that I made the move to Bangkok. 

Life as a Legal Professional at Agoda 

My day-to-day work is always varied. I might be reviewing or drafting agreements with our global hotel partners, managing business-as-usual escalations for those partners, or providing guidance and legal support to internal stakeholders on new initiatives and potential implementations. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make an impact. 

One project I’m proud of is leading the legal side of a global remediation project for Key Accounts contracts. While it’s still ongoing, we’ve already made changes that will positively impact Agoda’s risk exposure and business relationships. 

 What Makes Agoda Special: People, Culture, and Growth 

From my experience, people are what makes Agoda truly special. As part of the legal team, I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic, collaborative, and supportive group. That spirit extends to other internal stakeholders, especially the Key Accounts-Supply department, our partner-facing team who I support.  

As a commercial legal counsel, I’ve been exposed to many different areas of law and have grown as a business partner. Agoda genuinely gives back what you put in, investing in employees’ wellbeing and professional growth. 

Growing at Agoda: Continuous Learning and Opportunity 

I believe there are plenty of opportunities for growth at Agoda, whether vertically within my current job scope or the wider legal team, or even horizontally in the company with what they call “secondment,” which allows employees to take on an internship to try a completely different job in another department.  

Since Agoda is part of the Booking Holding group, there are also opportunities to connect and learn from our peers from Booking.com, Kayak, Priceline, and OpenTable. After three and a half years here, I continue to grow and learn new things every day. Agoda has helped me become a more seasoned attorney and a true business partner, expanding my skills and perspective. 

Relocating to Bangkok: From Remote Work to Real Adventure 

I originally moved from Venezuela to the USA in 2012. After joining Agoda in 2021, I spent my first three years working remotely from Atlanta, with regular trips to Agoda’s New York office. My first visit to Bangkok for a Legal Team Summit in February 2024 changed everything. After just two weeks in Bangkok, I knew I wanted to be closer to my team and stakeholders. My husband and I discussed logistics, and now, we have no regrets! 

The relocation process was smooth and well supported. Agoda’s relocation team helped with flights, temporary accommodation, bank accounts, and settling in. The visa team provided detailed instructions for work permits and what to expect. I relocated with my husband and two young children. The entire process—from landing in Bangkok to completing paperwork—was painless. 

Living in Bangkok: Family, Food, and Fun 

What I enjoy most about living in Bangkok is the diversity. The city’s blend of big-city energy and tropical vibes reminds me of Caracas, Venezuela. Kids are welcomed everywhere, and there’s so much to do as a family or couple, from fantastic food to endless new experiences. 

Outside of work, I love trying new restaurants, going to the beach, and doing activities with our kids. Being able to drive or take a short flight to the beach is simply amazing. 

Family Life in Bangkok: Education, Childcare, and Healthcare 

Agoda made finding a school easy, providing a list of international schools with discounts for employees and feedback from other parents. While international schools can be costly, our experience has been fantastic, and our kids feel at ease so far from home. 

Childcare here is a luxury we couldn’t have in the US. We found a nanny our kids love, who helps with school pick-ups and activities, making our lives much easier. 

Healthcare in Bangkok has also been seamless and stress-free. Visits to doctors or the ER have been quick and straightforward, with tests and medicines provided before leaving the hospital. 

There are plenty of activities for families, from indoor playgrounds and kids’ shows to movie theaters and restaurants. 

Building Community and Settling In: Support and Connections 

Settling into Agoda and Bangkok has been great, though it was a bit overwhelming with kids as we sorted out schooling and childcare. The onboarding team, colleagues, and locals made the process smooth, and working in the office has made collaboration more effective. 

I’ve built meaningful connections with colleagues and other parents from school and after-school activities. While it can be challenging to connect outside of work with kids and commitments, the community is welcoming. 

If you’re nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace, remember that change can be scary but also refreshing. It’s an opportunity to reinvent yourself and gain a new perspective on your career and lifestyle. 

Cost of Living in Bangkok: Affordable and Enjoyable 

Bangkok is definitely more affordable than the USA for food, activities, rent, transportation, and healthcare. While private schools in Bangkok are more expensive than in the USA (which has public schools), the overall setup and experience are different and worthwhile. 

Final Thoughts: Why Consider Agoda? 

Joining Agoda in Bangkok offers a transformative experience that can completely redefine your life and career. The way things are done at Agoda, combined with the vibrant lifestyle in Bangkok, elevates both personal and professional growth to new heights. 

The most rewarding aspect of my journey at Agoda has been the work itself and the incredible people I collaborate with. Building strong relationships and witnessing the tangible impact of my contributions is truly invaluable. If you’re considering a move, Agoda in Bangkok is the place to be for unparalleled adventure and career development.